Africa-Press – Kenya. Hit Squad pugilist, Elizabeth Andiego, says she intends to immerse herself fully in nurturing budding talent, but only after bagging a medal at the forthcoming Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Andiego, 35, hopes to take her medal hunt to the UK in what may appear as a final bid to enrich what she describes as her empty and dull cabinet.
“I’m not satisfied with my achievements so far. I’ve only managed to win bronze at the Africa Zone 3 Boxing Championships in Kinshasa but I feel that’s not good enough.
“I hope to wrap up my career with a Commonwealth medal in Birmingham next year. So if the global games happen to get me in good health, then why not? said the middleweight boxer.
As she rigorously embarks on a noble mission of refining the versatile talent at Kayole Social Hall in Nairobi’s Eastlands, Andiego continues to sharpen her own claws too.
“I’ve been training alongside the emerging talent. Although I don’t usually discriminate between boys and girls, my main focus is to bring the best out of the girls.
“We need female boxers who will fit in our shoes as we exit the stage,” added Andiego.
She says they are usually forced to share the only available space with other clubs using the hall which makes it difficult for them to train well enough.
“We shall continue sharing the facility as we look around to secure our own space.”
Andiego has called on the government and corporate entities to chip in more often if they expect local boxers to stamp authority on the international stage.
“For the Hit Squad to perform tremendously well internationally, they need to make frequent trips both within and outside the continent. Tournaments inside and outside Africa will help build us a lot,” said Andiego.
The pugilist almost fell short of attributing the dismal performance of the Hit Squad quartet at the Tokyo Olympics to inadequate preparations, pointing out that it all boils down to limited trips.
“I can say they (Hit Squad) did their best. There is a big difference between sparring and the real bout situation. Without early preparations, it becomes very difficult making last ditch efforts to pull off decent results in the ring.
“Preparing for Olympics should be a long-term project, at least two years. The team needs more tournaments in Africa and elsewhere for adequate preparations,” said Andiego.
About the concept of introducing boxing in schools to tap into the available talent early enough, Andiego contends the plan is long overdue.
“Yes, I think it’s very safe to introduce the game at that level. Boxing is a sport like any other. Schools only need to take the necessary precautions,” she concluded.
